Bunce resigns from Belding City Council

Belding City Council member Jon Bunce announced his resignation at Tuesday's meeting.

"Effective following tonight's agenda, I am submitting my resignation from the Belding City Council. While I have immensely enjoyed my years of service to the citizens of this community and my involvement with community affairs, I am making this decision in order to devote more time to my children and family," said Bunce.

He said he was thankful for those who have supported him and will continue to be involved in city affairs.

Bunce served on council after being elected in 2007 for a four-year term and failed to be re-elected. However, following the resignation of former council member Roger Wills earlier this year, he was appointed to city council in March.

His term was to expire in November of 2015. Now, the remaining members of city council will have 30 days to appoint a new member to fill the vacancy. Eligible residents can submit letters of qualifications to the Belding City Clerk by 4 p.m. Dec. 14. Council members will review the letters, conduct interviews Dec. 17 and are expected to appoint a new member Jan. 2. The newly appointed member will serve the remainder of Bunce's term.

In agenda business, the city council approved a motion to allow the Michigan Municipal League (MML) to conduct the city manager search process.

Belding City Manager Randall DeBruine, who announced his resignation Nov. 28, said the MML is the city's best resource because it is familiar with many candidates in Michigan, its costs are competitive and it is one of the only firms in Michigan that will provide such experience. He said the cost do go through the MML will be an estimated $12,600, including an initial $8,500 search process cost, $2,500 for background checks, $650 for advertising and $1,000 for consultant expenses.

Belding Mayor Protem Andrea Belding said although she understands the city needs to fill the position within 90 days following DeBruine's last day as city manager, she believes quotes from other firms should be looked into before moving forward.

Belding Mayor Ron Gunderson said he is also concerned with only searching through MML, but is also concerned of the time constraint. He added he has tried researching other Michigan firms, but came to a dead end.

The council approved the motion with Belding opposed.

In more business, the council approved a first reading of a motion to allow the sale of new and used motorcycles in the B-1 zoning district, or the downtown area. According to city documents provided by the Belding Planning Commission, outdoor motorcycle displays are prohibited. On-site maintenance still would not be allowed. Currently, a city ordinance does not allow the sale of vehicles in the downtown area.

The motion was approved with none opposed.

In more news, the city council appointed two new citizens to fill positions on the Belding Planning Commission, after commissioner Deb Curler resigned at the last meeting and a second position was open following commissioner Michael Hughes' resignation. Appointees included Max Gibbs, who will serve a term until July of 2015, and Ken Krueger, who will serve until June of 2014.

In other news, the council approved the city's Capital Improvement Plan for 2012-2018, which highlights proposed and expected projects for sewer, water and local street funds. DeBruine said he recommended the 2014 Main Street bank stabilization project be moved up if possible, as the area needs to be taken care of at the earliest convenience.

Belding said she also would like to see the stabilization project moved to an earlier date, while Belding City Council member Joe Feuerstein said he believes there is not enough money set aside for local street repairs.

The council approved the motion with none opposed.

In his city manager's report, DeBruine said the city has received a letter from the Michigan Department of Transportation that states the city has been awarded the grant to reconstruct the Main Street Bridge. More information on the project is yet to come. Also, DeBruine said the Greenville Community Foundation has donated a substantial amount of money to three Belding causes. He said $10,000 was given to the Belding Freedom Wall project, $10,000 was given to the Belding Skate Park project, and $5,000 was given to the Belding Community Garden.